Stubbs blast for referee

DARREN STUBBS

BOXING: SHAW'S Darren Stubbs blasted referee Marcus McDonnell for awarding opponent Tony Dodson a technical knock-out victory in the seventh round of their IBO International light-heavyweight world title fight at Liverpool's Greenbank Stadium.

The 39-year-old felt he had won at least three rounds and claims Scouser Dodson was labouring when McDonnell halted proceedings, following several blows to the face of Stubbs, who was on the ropes but never on the canvas.

"I am absolutely heartbroken the decision was made to end the fight at that point, without any prior hint or warning," he said.

"There is no way Dodson was on top. Everyone could see he was so tired. He caught me in the third round but I got the better of him in the fourth, fifth and sixth.

"It was his breathing that suggested to me he was struggling. He was really blowing by the time we got to the seventh.

"All right, he got in a couple of good shots but it wasn't like they sent me to the floor or on to my backside.

"This wasn't a six-rounder — it was a title fight and the referee offered no suggestion that he was concerned for me or thinking about stopping the bout.

"All I needed was a couple of seconds: I swear I would have knocked him out had the fight been allowed to continue."

While Stubbs congratulated 29-year-old Dodson on winning the title in his hometown, he feels the belt should have come back to Oldham — and also reserved special praise for his fans.

He added: "Dodson is good at the technical side of boxing but I do not feel he will take it to the next level and move on from where he is now.

"It is demoralising to lose in this way. I am always the first one to hold my hands up and admit I have been beaten by the better man when that happens.

"But this was a 50-50 fight and unfortunately, the referee deemed it necessary to jump the gun.

"I had just under 150 fans at the Greenbank Stadium, many of whom travelled to Merseyside without a ticket, and I cannot thank them enough.

"They were by far the louder set of supporters despite the fact Dodson is a Liverpool lad. They made it a good atmosphere and I really appreciate them taking the time and trouble to come along and cheer me on.

"I was happy to catch up with a few of them in the pub when I got back to Oldham."

Meanwhile, Stubbs has decided to take his time before deciding what his next move is, and refuses to rule out quitting.

He said: "At this point I am not quite sure what to do. I love boxing, that is there for all to see, but I turn 40 next week.

"It is a hard one to call. The morning after the fight I was up walking the dog at 7.30am because I was bored, so I don't know how I would cope without training and fighting.

"I will celebrate my 40th birthday with a big party, which will give me a chance to thank everyone in person, and then take it from there."

Both fighters were caught as the bout swung back and forth.

The home crowd held their breath when Dodson sustained a cut above his left eye in the opening exchanges of the first round after a clever double from Stubbs, but he was patched up and came back strongly.

And Stubbs suffered a scare in the third — a stinging hook bloodied his right eye brow, which temporarily hampered his efforts.